Tension engine



Jan. 7, 1930. T. s. MILLER TENSION ENGINE Filed 001:. 24, 1925 5 Sheets-Sheei INVENTOR kg w fi'romns Jan. 7, 1930. T. s. MILLER 1,742,482

I TENSION ENGINE Filed 001 1925 5 shee'ts-she et 2 INVENTOR Jan. 7 1930. T. s. MILLER 1,742,482

TENSION ENGINE Filed 1925 5 Sheets-Sheet a 369, 51 W 1 o i 0 3f I l 7% Q o :IE 72 II 4 i F INVENTOR BY %ORNEY5 Jan. 7, 1930. T. s. MILLER 2,

, TENSION ENGINE Filed Oct. 24, 1925 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 l N V EN TOR.

A TTORNEYS Jan 7, 1930. T. s. MILLER TENSION ENGINE Filed 001;. 24, 1925 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR.

A TTORNEYS Patented Jan. 7, 1930 THOMAS SPENCER MILLER, 01? SOUTH ORANGE, NEW' JERSEY TENSION ENGINE Application filed October '24, 1925.

My invention more particularly relates to new and useful improvements in tension governed engines, and particularly contemplates improved means for controlling or regulating the tension of a line wound upon a powerdriven drum.

My invention consistsof-certain novel parts and combination of parts particularly pointed out in the claims.

The following is a description of a certain form of my invention at present preferred by me, but it will be understood that various modifications and changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of my invention and without exceeding the scope of my claims.

My invention will best be understood by reference to the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters indicate like parts and in which Fig. 1 is a plan View, partially in section, of a tension engine emboclying my invention; Fig. 2 is a side elevation of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a sectional elevation of a portion of Fig. 1 and taken on theplane of the line 33 of Fig. 4; Fig. 4 is an elevation, partially in section, of Fig.3; Fig. 5 is an elevation, partially in section, showing certain details of the control mechanism and the parts cooperating therewith, together with 3 an adjusting means for the control; Fig. 6

is a plan view, partially in section, of a modified form of tension engine embodying my invention; Fig. 7 is a detail view similar to Fig. 5, but illustrating the adjusting mechanism for the control shown in Fig. '6; Fig. Sis a sectional plan view illustrating a further modification of my invention taken on the plane of the line 88 of Fig. 9; Fig. 9 is a sectional side elevation taken on the plane of the line 99 of Fig. 8; Fig. 10 is a sectional view taken on the plane of the line 1010 of Fig. 11 and illustrating a still further modification of my invention; 11

is a sectional side view taken on the plane of the line 11-11 of Fig. 10; Fig. 12 is a sectional side view of part of Fig. 10; Fig.

13 is a side view, partially in section, illustrating a further modification of my invention; Fig. 14 is a plan view of Fig. 13; Fig.

15 is a view similar to Fig. 13 and illustrat- Serial No. 64,587.

ing a further modification of my invention, and Fig. 16 is a section through Fig. 15.

Referring now to the drawings and first to Figs. 1 to 5, inclusive, 10 is a suitable base on which the mechanism embodying my invention is mounted. The motor 11 is here illustrated as an electric motor, the shaft 12 of which is mounted in suitable bearings in the base and one end of which is preferably provided with a member with which coacts a solenoid-operated brake, the parts of which are indicated generally at 13 and the details of which, in order to avoid confusion, are not here illustrated in detail, but may be the same as or similar to the solenoid-operated brake :shown in my application No. 573,502., which Was filed in the Patent Office July 7, 1922, and to which reference may be made. A winding drum 14 is actuated by the motor 11 through a pinion 15 mounted on the opposite end of the shaft 12 and which engages a gear 16 mounted on and preferably secured to a shaft .17 having its bearings at 18 and 19 in suitable standards rising from the base 10. The gear is preferably provided with a peripheral flange 20, on the inner side of which are inwardly extending spaced lugs 21, to each pair of which is secured one end of a suitable coil spring .22. Mounted on the shaft 17 is also a spider or member 23 preferably provided with outwardly extending spaced lugs 24, to each pair of which lugs are secured the opposite ends of the springs 22. In the form shown in Figs. 1 t0 5, a pinion 25 is preferably loose on the shaft 17 and is secured to and preferably integral with the member 23 and engages a gear 26 mounted on a shaft 27 having its bearings at 28., 29 and preferably secured to the winding drum' 14, as illustrated. It will be apparent, therefore,

that the gear 16 is connected to the motor, and that the member 23 is geared to or connected to the winding drum, and that the member and gear are yieldingly or flexibly connected together by means of the springs 22 and normally under tension. Relative rotary movement between the gear and the member may take place, therefore, and this relative movement between the gear and the form illustrated in member, which obviously varies in accordance with the tension on the cable wound on the drum, is utilized to actuate control mechanism for governing the operation of the motor and thereby preferably producing substantially constant tension on the cable. In the form of my invention illustrated in Figs.- 1 to 5, the relative rotary movement between the gear and the member is caused to rock a shaft and through the rocking movement of the shaft, actuate the control mechanism.

In the form illustrated, the shaft has itsbear- I ings at 301 and 302 in lugs secured to or integral with the side of the gear; The rock shaft is provided with a forked arm 31, to the free end of which is pivoted a link member 32 provided atits end with a stem or plug 33 (Fig. 4) engaging an openlng 1n the peripheral wall of the member 23. Since the shaft 30 is mounted on the gear, any relative rotary movement between the gear and the member 23, occasioned by variations in tension of the cable wound on the drum, will cause a rocking of the shaft 30. The shaft 30 isalso provided with an arm 34 extending through a slot 35in the shaft 17 and also extending through a slot 36 in a pin or element, which, in the form illustrated, isdisposed axially of the shaft 17 and longitudinally movable thereof, the shaft 30 and the two arms 31 and 34 secured thereto const1tuting a bell crank. It will be apparent, therefore, that any variations in tension on the cable, through the rocking of the shaft 36, will cause the pin 37 to be moved longitudlnally of the shaft 17. In the embodiment 1llustrated, one end of the pin 37 1s prov ded with a groove 38 (see Fig. 5) and 1s received in an opening 39 in anelongated' nut 40, the outer surface of which is preferably square and which is mounted in a suitable bearing 41, so that the nut may move longitudinally of its bearing, while the same opening s provided with a screw thread 42 in which is received a screw member 43. The groove 38 is preferably engaged by suitable pins or members 44 which secure the nut to the end of the pin 37 and, in effect, constitutes a continuation thereof, but permitting rotation of the pin relatively to the nut. The movement of the pin 37 longitudinally of tne shaft 17 actuates the controller for governing the motor 11, in such a way as to produce an approximately constant tension. In the Figs. 1 to 5, the end of the screw member 43 is providedwith a fixed collar or member 45 provided with a groove 46 in which is received a loose collar 47, in the opposite sides of which are secured pins 48 to which are attached the ends of.

two reach bars'49 located on opposite sides of the shaft or pin 50 fixed within a hub or the end member 51 having its bearings at 52, of the shaft 50 being secured to member 45 attached to the end of the screw memoei 43. The opposite ends of the reach bars 49 are pivotally attached to the free end of an arm 53 secured to a rock shaft 54 having its bearings at 54 The rock shaft 54 is also attached an arm 55, the free end of which is provided with a segment 56 which engages the pinion 57 which may be mutilated, as illustrated, and secured on a shaft 58 having its bearings in a controller casing 59 and provided with contact members having suit able contactsengagin'g stationary contacts, it being understood that when the controller member occupies the normal position, the current is out off from-the motor and the brake 13 is applied to the motor shaft in the same manner as illustrated in my prior application above referred to. It is to be understood that when the controller is moved in a direction corresponding to a decrease in tension on the line, the controller will be moved in a direction to unset the brake and supply current ,to the motor to move the same forward or in a direction to takeup the cable, and when the controller is moved in the opposite direction from normal corresponding to an increase in tension on the cable, the controller will be moved in a direction to unset the brake, reverse the motor and, if desired, apply dynamic braking, thereby permitting the cable to pay out sufliciently to again reduce the tension to normal. As the general form of such a controller and brake are illustrated in my said application No. 5! 3,502, I have, in order to avoid unnecessary illustration and description, omitted these elements in my application.

It will be seen, therefore that variations in tension on the cable with a corresponding relative movement between the gear 16 and member 23, causes an axial movement in or out of the pin depending upon whether the tension on the cable is increased or decreased, thereby operating the controller to cause the cable to be wound in with a decrease in tension on the cable and to be paid out with an increase in tension on the cable. When the tension on the cable is normal, all current to the motor is cut off and the brake is set.

Means are also preferably provided for adjusting the normal position of the controller and thereby adjusting the normal tension on the cable, as is done in my said prior application. In the device shown in Figs. 1 to 5, such adjustment is effected by means of a hand-wheel 60 secured to the end of the shaft 61- having its bearings at 62 and 63. The inner end of the shaft is provided, in the form illustrated, with a bevelled gear 64 engaging a second bevelled gear 65 at the outer end of the shaft or pin 50. By rotating the hand-wheel, the shaft 50 and screw 43 correspondingly rotate and cause the shaft 50 and the screw 43 to move into or out of nut 40, and thereby move the nut 40 to the left or right, thereby shortening or lengthening the pin and thereby actuating the controller in suchaway as to bring the same to normal position at a different tension.

Means are preferably provided for manually applying a brake to the winding drum whenever it is desired to firmly hold on to the cable with current cut out and all automatic operation temporarily suspended. In the form illustrated. this comp ises a brake flange 650 engaged by a brake band 651, one end of which is connected to a stationary lug 652, and the o1 posite end of which is connected at 653 to'one end of an arm (354 pivoted at 655. The opposite end of the arm 654: is connected by a link 656 to a manually-operated wheel 657 by suitable screw connections by which rotation of the wheel applies the brake. I have not illustrated in full the details of the manually-operated brake as the same constitutes no part of my present invention.

The operation of the device illustrated in Figs. 1 to 5will readily be understood from the foregoing description and is as follows: \Vhen the device is to be placed in operation, for example, a mooring winch, after the cable has been suitably attached and is presumed to be slack, the controller is manuall} operated by rotating the hand wheel 60 so as to energize the motor to wind in and tighten the cable and until the desired normal tension is secured, at which normal position the solenoid brake is set. Then any substantial variation in the tension on the cable will unset the brake and move the controller in the forward or the reverse direction; that is, in a direction to take up or pay out the cable. For example, an increase in tension on the cable obviously would cause a relative rotary movement between the gear 20 and the spider or member 23 by placing the springs under greater tension. This relative move ment between the gear and member causes the arm 31 to be moved angularly and the shaft 30 to be rocked. The arm 34 will correspond ingly be moved and move the pin 37 axially of the shaft within which it is mounted, thereby rocking the arm 53and the shaft 54 to which it is secured. The arm 55 will be correspondinglv rocked and the segment 56 will rotate the pinion 5'7 and the shaft 58 in a direction to unset the brake and move the contacts mount ed on the shaft of the controller into engagementwith the reverse contacts of the controller. and at the same time. if desired, apply regenerative braking so that the motor will be rotated in a direction to pay out the cable until the tension is again dropped to normal when the payout will cease and the solenoid brake will set. Similarly a decrease in tension on the cable will, through the relative movement between the gear and the spider or member 23. move the pin 37 and the controller in the wind in direction, unsett ing the brake and bringing the contacts on the controller shaft into engagement with the forward stationary contacts-ofthe controller andthereby wind in or take up the slackened cable until normal tension is again restored when the solenoid brake will set and hold the motor.

In one form of controller I arrange the contactors for the winding in direction as follows:

The first contact yields a small amount of current for a creeping iii-hauling speed and at the same instant unsets the solenoid brake.

The second Contact yields a larger amount of current to wind in.

The third contact yields a still larger amount of current.

The fourth contact yields full current.

In the pay out direction I arrange thecontactors as follows:

The first contact yields a small driving current in the reverse direction, while the same contact unsets the brake and also yields heavy regenerative braking at slow speed.

The second contact yields less reverse driving current, less regenerative braking and an increase of pay out speed.

The third contactyields positive driving current to reverse the motor at increased speed and the minimum of regenerative braking.

The fourth contact yields maximum reverse current with no regenerative braking. I have not illustrated the contacts of the controller', as their arrangement will readily be understood by those skilled in the art.

In the form of my invention illustrated in Figs. 6 and 7, a gear 16, which isengaged by the pinion 15 on the motor shaft, is secured directly to the drum shaft 17 and through springs tothe spider 28- and to-the drum 14. The operation of the rock shaft 30 mounted onthe gear and the associated parts by" which the pin 37 is moved longitudinally of its shaft, are substantially the same in structure and operate in the same manner as described in connection with Figs. 1 and 5. In this case, however, the winding drum 14 is mounted directly on the shaft 17 within which the pinS'Z is'mount'ed. In the arrangements illustrated, furthermore, a hand-wheel 60 for effecting the adjustment of the controller is mounted directly on the end of the shaft or bar 50.

In'Figs. 8 and9, I have illustrated a further modification of my invention wherein a hub 66 on the gear 16 is somewhat enlarged and is provided with an opening 6'? within which one end of the rock shaft 30 is received.

In Figs. 1O, 11 and 12, I have illustrated a further modification of my invention, in which the longitudinal movement of the pin 37 is effected by ball or roller member 67 mounted on one end of an arm- 68 to a bell crank 69, the other arm 70 of which passes through slotsin the shaft 17 and the pin 37, as heretofore described. The ball or roller engages with a cam groove 71 in the side of the spider or member 23, the cam groove being so positioned as to cause a rocking of the shaft 30 and a longitudinal movement of the pin 37 on variations of the tension on the cable with a corresponding relative movement between the gear and member 23.

In Figs. 13 and 14, I have illustrated a further modification of my invention, in which variations in tension on the cable operates hydraulically the pin 37, which, in turn, operates the controller mechanisms. To one arm 2 1 of the member or spider is connected a link 72, the opposite end of the link being connected to one end of a collapsible piston 73 of the accordion or bellows type, one end of which is seated against a flange 7st extending inwardly in a cylindrical opening 75 within a projection or protuberance on the gear. The piston 7 5 communicates through the pipe 77 with a duct 78 extending axially of the shaft 17, the inner end of the duct con'nnunicating with a second collapsible piston 79 located in the cylindrical opening in the shaft, the inner end of the collapsible piston being secured to one end of the pin 37. Variations in tension on the cable thereby cause relative rotary movement on the member 23 relative to the gear, the variations in tension away from normal in one direction causing the piston 73 to collapse and causing the piston 79 to expand and thereby move the pin forwardly and a variation of tension on the cable in the opposite direction causing the piston 73 to expand and the piston 79 to contract and thereby move the pin 37 and the controller in the opposite direction. A reduction of the tension below normal reverses this action.

In the embodiment of my invention illustrated in Figs. 15 and 16, I utilize ropes or cables for moving the pin 37 longitudinally of the shaft. In the form illustrated, two inwardly extending lugs 81 and 82 are formed on the inner side of a peripheral flange of the member 23 Bell cranks 83 and 84 are pivoted at 85 and 86, respectively, on the gear 16 the end of one arm of the bell crank 83 being connected by a link 87 to the lug 81, while the link 88 connects lug S2 to one end of bell crank 84. On the inner end of the bell crank 84 is connected a rope or cable 89 passing over an idler 90 mounted on an arm 91 extending inwardly from the spider or member 23 the opposite end of the rope or cable 89 passing through a hole in the center of the pin 37, the end of the cable being secured thereto. Similarly, the cable 92 is attached to an end of the bell crank 8d and passes over an idler 93 on an arm 94, the opposite end of the rope or cable 92 passing through and being attached to the pin 37 at the opposite side of a plane passing through the gear and member. Preferably, the pin 37 is provided with a longitudinal slot 95 to accommodate the cables 89 and 92 and the associated parts. It is, of course, necessary to cause the pin to move in one direction or the other from normal in response to variations in tension on the cable either side of normal, and the two cables are desirable since a single cable, unless it be much stiffer, would move the pin in only one direction. I do not wish, however, to be understood as excluding the single cable or flexible member because I am well aware that a single flexible member such as a cable or chain might be employed both to push and pull the reciprocating pin.

It is to be understood that the automatic controller illustrated may be, and preferably is combined with a manually-operated controller in such a way that the automatic controller is disconnected when the manual controller is operated.

\Vhile the invention illustrated is not limited to any special use, it is particularly applicable as a mooring winch for steamships or airships. When the device is to be used as a towing winch or for similar operations, where a substantially constant length of cable is desired, I preferably combine with the same an automatic device which may be sub stantially the same as that illustrated in my application No. 573,502, which was filed in the Patent Otlice July 7, 1922.

It will be apparent that the springs 22, which yieldingly or flexibly connect the gear to the member or spider are of a conventional character and are readily accessible. It will also be apparent that I have utilized the relative rotary movement between the gear 16 and the member 23 to operate the controller without the use of anything in the nature of a worm or screw and by the use of elements that are well commercialized. Furthermore, by the use of the rock shaft 30 mounted on the gear and the associated parts, the comparatively small relative rotary movement between the gear and the spider or member 23 produces suficient longitudinal movement of the pin or other member slidable longitudinally of the shaft for imparting to the controller the necessary movement with minimum frictional losses and minimum lost motion.

\Vhile I have illustrated my invention in connection with an electric motor, it is to be understood that my invention is not limited thereto, as it is applicable to other motors, as for example, steam.

I claim:

1. In a winding engine, a winding drum, a motor, a resilient member, and a resilient drive between said motor and said drum and including said member, means comprising a shaft for transmitting power from said motor to saidwinding drum, an element mounted within and longitudinally movable of said shaft, a gear mounted on said shaft, means cooperating'with said gear and re sponsive to the tension on the cable wound on said drum for moving said element longitudinally of the shaft, and control means for said motor operable by said element.

2. In a winding engine, a winding drum, a motor for actuating the same, means comprising a shaft for transmitting power from said motor to said winding drum, an element mounted within and longitudinally movable of said shaft, a gear mounted on said shaft, a member cooperating with said gear and movable relatively thereto in accordance with the tension on said cable, a resilient connection between said gear and said member, means responsive to the relative rotarymovement between said gear and said member for moving said element longitudinally of its shaft, and control means for said motor operable by said element.

3. In a winding engine, a winding drum, a driving mechanism for said drum including a shaft, a motor for operatin the same, a mounted on said shaft, a member mounted on the shaft cooperating with said gear and rotatable with reference thereto, an element supported by and movable axially within said shaft in accordance with a relative rotary movement between said gear and member, and control mechanism for said motor operable by the movement of said element axially of said shaft.

4. In a winning engine, a winding drum, a driving mechanism for said drum including a shaft, a motor for operating the same, a gear mounted on said shaft and geared to the motor, member mounted on the shaft and geared to the winding drum, an element supported by and movable axially within said shaft in accordance with relative rotary movement between said gear and said member, and control mechanism for said motor operable by the movement of said element axially of said shaft.

5. In a winding engine, a winding drum, :1 driving mechanism for said drum including shaft, a gear mounted on said shaft, a member mounted on said shaft and connected to the winding drum, a motor for actuating said gear, an element supported by and movable axially within said shaft, means mounted on -the gear and operable by relative rotary movement between the gear and member for moving said element axially of the shaft, and control mechanism for said motor operable by the movement of said element axially of the shaft.

t. In a winding engine, a winding drum, :1 driving mechanism for said drum including a motor and a shaft, an element supported by and movable along said shaft, a gear mounted on said shaft, means including a member mounted on said gear and operable by relative rotary movement between the gear and member for moving said element axially of the shaft and control mechanism for said motor operable by movement of said element axially of said shaft.

7 In a winding engine, a winding drum, a driving mechanism for said drum including a shaft, a motor for operating thesame, a gear mounted on said shaft, a member mounted on the shaft cooperating with said gear and rotatable with reference thereto, an element supported by and movable axially of said shaft, means comprising a rockable member mounted on said gear and operable in response to relative rotary movement between said gear and member for movingsaid element axially of the shaft, and control mechanism operable by said element.

8. In a winding engine, a winding drum, a driving mechanism for said drum including a winding drum and ashaft, a motor for operating the same, a gear mounted on said shaft, a member mounted on said shaft and cooperating with said gear and rotat able with relation thereto, an element supported by and movable axially of said shaft, means comprising a rock shaft mounted on said gear, and two arms attached to said rock shaft, one arm of which is actuated in accordance with the relative movement between said gear and said member and the other operatively engaging said element to move the same longitudinally of the shaft, and control mechanism operable by said ele ment.

9. In a winding engine, a winding drum and a shaft therefor, a motor for operating the said shaft, a gear mounted on said shaft, a member mounted on said shaft and cooper: ating with said gear, a pin mounted within and extending axially of said shaft, said shaft and said pin being provided with registering slots, a rocliable shaft mounted on said gear, an arm secured to said shaft and operable in accordance with the relative rotary movement between said gear and said member, a second arm secured to said shaft and passingthrough the slot in said shaft and engaging the slot in said pin, whereby relative rotary movement between said shaft and said member in response to variations in tensionon said cable moves said pin axially of the shaft, and control mechanism operable by the movement of said shaft. 1

10.. In a winding engine, a winding drum, a driving mechanism for said drum including a motor, a shaft, a gear, a member, a resilient connection between said gear and member, an element supported by and movable axially within said shaft, means mounted on the gear and operative by relative rotary movement between the gear and member for moving said elementaxially of the shaft, and control mechanism for said motor operable by the movement of said element.

11. In a winding engine or device, a winding drum and its shaft, a motor, a controller therefor, driving connections including an intermediate shaft interposed between the motor and the drum shaft and comprising meshing gears, and means located within said intermediate shaft and operable axially thereof and responsive to the tooth load between said meshing gears for actuating said controller.

12. In combination, a shaft, an element mounted within said shaft and axially mov able thereof, a driving member and a driven member mounted on said shaft, a resilient connection between said members, and means responsive to relative movement of said members for moving said element axially of the shaft.

13. In combination, a shaft, an element mounted within said shaft and axially movable thereof, a driving member and a driven member surrounding said shaft, a resilient connection between said members, means responsive to relative movement of said members for moving said element axially of the shaft, and control mechanism operable by the longitudinal movement of said element to regulate the power transmitted to said driving member.

14. In a winding engine, a motor, a cable winding drum, a resilient drive between said motor and said drum including a shaft and including a resilient member interposed between said motor and said drum, and an automatic control means including an element indepedent of said drum supported by and slidable along said shaft in accordance with the tension on said cable for controlling the supply of power to said motor.

15. In a winding engine, a motor, a cable winding drum, a resilient drive between said motor and said drum including a shaft and including a resilient member interposed between said motor and said drum, and an automatic control means including an element independent of said drum mounted axially within and slidable along said shaft in accordance with the tension on said cable for controlling the supply of power to said motor.

16. In a winding engine, a motor, a cable winding drum, a resilient drive between said motor and said drum including a shaft and meshing gears one of which is mounted on said shaft and including a resilient member interposed between said motor and said drum, and an automatic control means including an element independent of said drum mounted axially within and slidable along said shaft in accordance with the tension on said cable for controlling the supply of power to said motor.

THOMAS SPENCER MILLER. 

